http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/mike-gallagher-butina-s5.jpg"Gallagher should have immediately sounded the alarm when an agent from a hostile foreign power sought to meet with and influence his boss," say Wisconsin Dems.

MADISON - In light of breaking news that Scott Walker met with indicted Russian spy Maria Butina at least twice before and during his 71-day presidential campaign, including at his campaign kick-off, concerns are being raised about Rep. Mike Gallagher’s role as Walker’s campaign foreign advisor.

“What did Mike Gallagher know about these meetings, and what role did he have in the procurement of a $1 million donation from Russian oligarch Len Blavatnik?” asked Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Courtney Beyer. “As his foreign advisor, Gallagher should have immediately sounded the alarm when an agent from a hostile foreign power sought to meet with and influence his boss. If Gallagher knew enough to allow these meetings and transactions to happen, he betrayed Wisconsinites’ trust.”

The Department of Justice handed down an indictment earlier this week charging that Butina was part of a Russian plot to influence Republican officials and interfere in our elections. The chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Martha Laning asked yesterday for Scott Walker to disclose all contacts he had with foreign nationals during and leading up to his presidential campaign. He has yet to respond to that request.

“Gallagher’s constituents are owed answers,” added Beyer. “It is a fact that Russia attempted to interfere in our elections and disrupt our democratic process. If Gallagher has had any contact with these foreign agents, Wisconsinites deserve to know.”